Office parties go ahead, but some of them are in a box
“Bashes in boxes” and food trucks are set to replace year-end office parties.
Events planners and caterers say there has been a downturn in demand for big staff celebrations as companies grapple with slashed budgets and the fear of a Covid-19 second wave.
But the co-chair of theministerial advisory committee on Covid-19, Salim Abdool Karim, says he is not opposed to year-end parties.
“I think that staff parties should not be a problem provided they are held at a venue where social distancing is possible, people wear masks — except when they are eating — and the numbers of people at the party are limited,” he said.
“If parties are kept to a moderate size and held outside, there should be no issues.”
However, the 300-plus staff at Abdool Karim’s Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in SA will not be gathering in person for its annual year-end bash in early December.
“We are doing a Zoom party with picnic boxes that include a four-course meal. We won’t have the problem of people gathering in close proximity,” he said.
Bruce van Halderen of UrbanTree, a Sandton venue with a rooftop garden, said most big year-end parties had been postponed or cancelled.
“There are still a few inquiries in the 80-200 guest range but they are not confirming, sadly,” he said.
“Confirmations are now very last minute, as the government continues harping on about a second wave. This just keeps people hesitant until literally days before the party date, making planning virtually impossible and causing operational challenges galore.”
Basheerah Motala of Nouvelle Cuisine in Durban said: “There are no queries from corporates and banks that have big staff complements and usually set aside budgets for year-end events.
“Last year we had a book full of bookings for year-end functions. That obviously has not happened this year.
“A lot of companies want pre-packed boxes for their staff members, ranging from R180 to R500. It’s like having a full five-course meal in a box, which includes a mocktail, canapé, a starter, a salad, the main course like Asian Thai noodles, dessert and a confectionery pack.”
Moustache Gourmet Food Truck in Johannesburg, said: “I think our set-up is more suited for the current situation because we are outside. We have strict measures in place.”
Greef said she and her husband, Jade, started quoting for year-end events last month.
Kim Gloyne of Vanila Exclusive Event Management in Cape Town, which has a number of corporates on its books, said her clients were “very wary” about year-end parties.
“There is obviously huge virtual fatigue, so we have tried to integrate a bit of fun into things.”
Gloyne said virtual parties organised by a number of companies included online entertainment and a “bash in a box” delivered to each employee.
“They can either make their own party, or it could be food or drinks. So while they are enjoying their virtual party, they still have something from the company.”